Community Connectors

What will I be doing?

Community Connectors will work closely with our Community Engagement team to enable people with type 1 diabetes to live well and have the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage the condition, particularly at a time of such fast-paced change. The purpose of this role is engaging with clinics, GP surgeries, and/or local individuals/organisations as an ambassador for Breakthrough T1D UK which might include:

• Raising awareness of Breakthrough T1D UK’s information and support resources and materials
• Meeting with clinics/GP surgeries/other staff to introduce them to Breakthrough T1D UK and our information and support resources
• Building relationships with people affected by type 1 diabetes and in community settings to raise awareness of type 1 and Breakthrough T1D UK
• Hosting a stand to introduce people affected by type 1 to Breakthrough T1D UK at key awareness days or local events
• Sharing key messages from clinics with the Community Engagement Team
• Sharing information around upcoming local events with clinics, including Breakthrough T1D UK’s community events
• Raising awareness of type 1 and Breakthrough T1D UK through speaker opportunities
• Any of the above can be achieved either virtually or in-person. We welcome your support in either capacity. Your patch might be as small as your GP surgery and your specialist diabetes clinic, or could be wider according to your availability and confidence

How will this benefit me?

• Increasing your communication skills
• Being part of the Breakthrough T1D UK team
• The opportunity to help Breakthrough T1D UK reach and support more people affected by type 1
• You’ll receive a Breakthrough T1D UK t-shirt to wear in the community
• Opportunities to learn new skills
• Meeting new people, building a network and engaging with your local community to grow opportunities for yourself, the type 1 community and Breakthrough T1D UK
• Regular catch ups with the Breakthrough T1D UK Volunteering Team and regular email updates with further volunteering opportunities

How will this benefit Breakthrough T1D UK?

The healthcare teams and organisations who work to deliver support and services to people with type 1 will be more closely informed about Breakthrough T1D UK’s information and support services enabling people to live well, and have the appropriate skills, knowledge and confidence.

When do you need me?

This will be an ad hoc role working in conjunction with our Community Engagement team and at times which suit you. We will be able to contact you to let you know about upcoming opportunities in your local area. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about making a difference and wanting to ensure more people with type 1 get the support they need, whilst helping Breakthrough T1D UK to raise vital funds for our research to prevent and cure type 1.

Where is the role based?

In your local area. Help us raise awareness of Breakthrough T1D UK and type 1 diabetes within your networks and community.

What training will I receive?

You will receive an induction to Breakthrough T1D UK and the support resources we offer. You will also receive a volunteer handbook/presentation and tips on how best to approach individuals, organisations and clinics. The team will also ensure you are supported in the role with the following offered:

• Other type 1 related resources that you may be interested in, or that feel relevant to the activities you are undertaking
• Community Engagement volunteer meetings

What will be expected of me?

• To raise awareness of Breakthrough T1D UK and its information and support services
• To keep updated on current Breakthrough T1D UK activities within your area
• To reach into your network to raise awareness of Breakthrough T1D UK and type 1 within your local community

What skills and attributes do I need?

Essential

• Enthusiastic and dedicated
• Confident communicator
• Being approachable with a professional manner
• Being organised
• Ability and willingness to share how people affected by type 1 diabetes can access support from Breakthrough T1D UK
• An enjoyment of talking to people and communities, either one to one, or presenting to groups
• A keenness to demonstrate our values, and to help improve care and support for people with type 1
• The ability to travel to venues and events
• A willingness to use technology e.g. Zoom and Microsoft Teams to engage with people outside of your local area (training can be provided)

Desirable

• Experience of face to face engagement or customer service
• Understanding of type 1 diabetes and the NHS care pathways

What support is available to me?

You will have a staff buddy who has an overview of the project in their area and will provide ongoing support. There will be regular catch-ups giving an opportunity to discuss updates, feedback and plans, this may be by phone call or Microsoft teams call if unable to meet in person.

How do I get involved?

Thank you so much for your willingness to volunteer with us, we’re so grateful for your enthusiasm and support. Currently, all our Community Connector roles have been filled, however, we greatly appreciate your interest and encourage you to register your details with us. By doing so, we can contact you as soon as a space becomes available. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to having you join our team in the future.

Please register your interest via the application form below.

If you’d like a chat before registering your interest, or if you have any questions, please contact our Community Engagement Team at outreach@breakthrought1d.org.uk